High School Auto Shop Teacher, Texaco Owner From Maplewood-South Orange Dies

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A former Columbia High School auto shop teacher who employed students at his Texaco repair shop in South Orange has died at 90.

Billy Patrick Holland from Maplewood/South Orange passed away on March 22, surrounded by family, his obituary says.

Holland served as an Army sergeant in Germany, then returned to the MAPSO area where he began teaching auto mechanics at Columbia High school.

"Many of his former students remained in touch with him over the years, expressing gratitude for the education, life lessons and support they received from him both in and out of the classroom," says his obit.

Among his accomplishments, he owned Valley Texaco auto repair and t owing in South Orange, employing students there who needed a job.

Holland also volunteered through the Boy Scouts.

He's survived by his wife Sue in Florida, five children, seven grand children, and two great-grandchildren, says his obituary. Read more here.